Key Highlights:
Harpreet Brar: PBKS’s Middle-Overs Maestro Prepares for RCB Test Again
With Match 37 of IPL 2025 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) about to begin at Mullanpur, one name stands out among Punjab’s bowling arsenal — Harpreet Brar.
The left-arm orthodox spinner has proven to be a nightmare for RCB batters in recent seasons. With spin playing a crucial role on the slowing pitches of Mullanpur, Brar’s role in Punjab’s bowling strategy is bigger than ever.
Previous Impact: Brar’s Spell That Sunk RCB
In their last face-off earlier this season, Brar was one of the chief architects in PBKS bowling out RCB for just 95 runs, a total that Punjab chased with ease. His accurate lengths and subtle variations strangled RCB’s middle order, building pressure that led to wickets at regular intervals.
He combined seamlessly with Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen to choke scoring opportunities and dismantle the Bengaluru batting engine.
“He’s a quiet assassin in the middle overs. He builds pressure without even trying too hard,” said a Cricbuzz analyst after that match.
Playing XI Confirmation and Role Today
Punjab Kings have retained Harpreet Brar in their starting XI for today’s match — a strong indicator of their spin-first approach on this Mullanpur surface.
With RCB fielding a right-handed dominant batting order featuring Kohli, Salt, Patidar, Tim David, and Jitesh Sharma, Brar’s angle and drift could again prove tricky to handle.
Harpreet Brar’s IPL 2025 Stats So Far
- Matches Played: 6
- Wickets: 8
- Economy Rate: 6.91
- Best Bowling: 3/17
- Average: 20.75
Brar has not only kept batters quiet in the middle overs but has also delivered key breakthroughs, often turning momentum in PBKS’s favor.
RCB’s Struggles Against Left-Arm Spin
Historically, RCB have struggled against quality left-arm spin in IPL:
- Virat Kohli’s strike rate against left-arm spin is below 120 since 2023
- Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma have both fallen multiple times to this style
- Brar has dismissed Kohli twice in the past three IPL editions
This makes Harpreet Brar not just a defensive bowler today, but a match-up weapon in Punjab’s game plan.
What Makes Brar a Threat?
- Accuracy & Discipline: Rarely gives width, forcing batters to attack straight
- Subtle Flight: Creates deception without major variations
- Team Balance: As a bowling all-rounder, he allows PBKS flexibility with Impact Player combinations
PBKS may look to pair him with Chahal during the 7–15 over phase, choking runs and drawing false strokes from RCB’s big-hitters.
Match Preview Context: PBKS vs RCB
- Venue: Mullanpur
- Date: April 20, 2025
- Match: IPL 2025 Match 37
- Toss Result: RCB won the toss and chose to field
- PBKS XI includes Brar; RCB’s XI includes Salt, Kohli, and Shepherd
Eyes on Brar as PBKS Eyes Playoff Climb
With PBKS needing a win to solidify their position in the top three, every over will count. Harpreet Brar’s calmness under pressure, backed by a growing record of success against RCB, makes him one of the most valuable players in today’s clash.
If he delivers again, Punjab could well be on their way to another commanding victory—and Brar will once more prove why he’s among the most underrated spinners of the tournament.
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